Charlie Manby has left behind the building site and the football pitch as he sets his sights on following the trail blazed by his old friend Luke Littler. The Yorkshire native was working for his girlfriend's father's company until recently, even laying bricks between matches during his impressive run to the last 16 of the 2026 World Darts Championship, where he pocketed £60,000. However, after securing a two-year PDC Tour card through Q-School in January, the 20-year-old has put away his trowel to concentrate fully on his darts career.
Leaving the Building Site Behind
Does he miss the construction work? 'Now and again, because I enjoy seeing the lads and having a good laugh at work, but not really,' he admitted. Football has also taken a backseat. While darts is becoming an increasingly lucrative profession, injured players do not get paid, so 'Champagne' Charlie has had to hang up his boots as well.
'I'm not bad,' he said modestly. 'I used to play on Saturdays with my dad in the same team and under-18s with my mates on Sundays.'
The Nickname Story
Manby's nickname has nothing to do with former Arsenal star 'Champagne' Charlie Nicholas. Given that Nicholas was an icon of the 1980s and Manby was not born until 2005, it is understandable that he had no idea who the former Soccer Saturday pundit was. 'Someone mentioned it, but I didn't know who he was,' said Manby. 'It was a football manager who came up with the nickname. He suggested I walk on to Champagne Supernova by Oasis. It wasn't a bad idea, and it stuck.'
'It was a great buzz walking out to that at the World Championship. I was probably more nervous walking on than I was playing!'
Debut at Alexandra Palace
Manby's Alexandra Palace debut was memorable for Cameron Menzies' first-round meltdown, where the Scot took his post-match frustration out on a table, badly cutting his hand. Manby appeared the least shocked person in the arena and deftly deflected questions about Menzies' outburst in his press conference, preferring to focus on his own performance.
'There was a bit of pressure, but the only pressure I feel is what I put on myself. I don't feel the pressure others put on me. I know that when I am relaxed, I can play top-quality darts,' he said.
Joining Target Darts with Littler
Having recently signed with leading manufacturer Target Darts, Manby is now a stablemate of Luke Littler. The pair, who are good friends, came through the youth ranks together. 'We have always been good mates; we get on really well. The stuff he has done for the game has been unbelievable,' Manby said. 'It was only a matter of time because he was head and shoulders above everyone on that junior circuit.'
Many in the darts world believe Manby also has the talent to become one of the sport's elite players. For now, he is focused on adapting to life as a professional. 'From a young age, this is what I have wanted to do,' said Manby. 'It can be hard sometimes. Everyone thinks it is the life of luxury, but it really is not. You are travelling all the time, sitting in train stations and airports.'
'I just want to retain my tour card and keep climbing the rankings. I want to qualify for all the majors and win a couple of them in the future.'
